Obituaries

Dr. Larry N. Reinking, 76

November 03, 2022

Dr. Larry Norman Reinking passed away on the morning of Nov. 3rd, 2022.

A retired professor of biology at Millersville University and Vietnam veteran, Larry dedicated his life to supporting his family, teaching, and learning. His wife, Mary Beth Reinking (nee Roche), predeceased Larry. Larry is survived by his son Dr. Jeffrey Reinking and Jeff’s wife Sam Irvine, who live in New York, and his son Brian Reinking of Lancaster. Jeff and Brian’s children kept Grandpa Larry busy and grinning from ear to ear through his retirement years.

Larry was born in Hays, Kansas. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Rutgers University. Larry’s education was interrupted when he enlisted in the Army and fought in the Vietnam War. He was awarded a Bronze Star for his service there. Larry earned his Ph.D. from the University of Montana and then worked briefly as a researcher in coastal Maine before coming to Millersville, where he taught for over thirty years and made many life-long friends. Larry’s family misses him deeply and is inspired by the remarkable life he lived.

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Condolences to the Family

November 08, 2022

I was very saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. He was a valued colleague and a wonderfully inventive teacher. I often went to him for advice, and the advice he gave was always good. His sense of humor and the pranks he played were legendary. He was a joy to work with. He will be missed.  I extend my sincerest condolences to his family.

November 07, 2022

The passing of my brother Dr. Larry Reinking caught all of us off guard! I had just retired that Monday looking forward to spending some extended quality time with Larry when we heard of his passing. 
Larry was a great inspiration in my life, as a big brother I always looked up to him.  He was a protective, motiving and fun brother.  His absence will truly be missed.
Larry was a loving Husband, Father and Grandfather, the NJ Reinking family sends our condolences to his son’s Jeff & Brian Reinking, and their families, our thoughts are with you.
Rest in peace, Larry and may you reunite with Marry Beth in the afterlife,
Your Loving Bother – Richard Reinking

November 07, 2022

My most sincere condolences to the family. Many years ago, Larry joined me in teaching the beginning zoology course at Millersville, I was overjoyed because he brought the expertise, talent and creativity that was needed to carry out the vision I had for the course. We worked as an excellent team in great part because of Larry’s kindness, patience, fantastic sense of humor, dedication to the course (and our students) and his humility. I believe I spent more time with him than any other colleague during my professional life. And we had so much fun! In addition to teaching, we conducted a series of experiments together for which Larry designed a few small devices to assist us in data collection. All were given appropriately scientific terms in the format of “the Reinking/Zegers …-omatic”. MacGyver could easily have been his middle name! Although Larry was humble (e.g., I knew he was a Viet Nam Veteran, but he never told me he was awarded a Bronze Star) we often shared parts of our personal lives. I will never forget when he came back from his first visit to see his first grandchild, and how when he held her, all the tension, apprehension, stress, etc. of the rest of life melted away being replaced by a profound peace. He told me just to wait. Not too long after that I held my first granddaughter and experienced that same peace. Photos and stories about our grandkids became a regular part of our daily conversations. Of course, his practical jokes were legendary in the Bio Department, and his legacy is that of a genuine colleague and an amazing friend.
David Zegers, Professor Emeritus

November 07, 2022

I was fortunte to have Larry as a colleague at Millersville for 20 years.  I never saw him without a smile on his face.  My condolences to his family.  May he rest in peace until we all meet him again. 

November 06, 2022

My deepsest sympathy to Dr Reinking’s family. He was one of my favorite professors ever. I truly enjoyed his classes as part of my Master’s program. His advice as an advisor was golden. He will be missed!

November 06, 2022

I graduated from Millersville in 1987 with a degree in Marine Biology. Dr. Reinking’s animal physiology class was challenging but I really appreciated the sense of humor he applied to his lectures and even his tests. He was always so kind and helpful even though I was far from an ace student. He really made an impact on us. 

November 06, 2022

It is with great sadness that I read of Larry’s death in the LNP today.  He had a deep love for Mary Beth, his sons Brian and Jeff and their wives and his wonderful grand children who were his delight. He was an outstanding professor, liked by his students and highly respected by his colleagues at Millersville. In my ten years at Millersville he was a valued administrative assistant for the School of Science and Mathematics. I had great respect for Larry for the service he rendered to the School, the Department of Biology, and his students.
Dr. Edward Shane, retired Dean

November 06, 2022

Larry was a good man. I treasured his intellectual curiosity and devotion to teaching. He made the world a better place and I am glad I had the opportunity to know him (as a colleague). My conolances to his beloved family.

November 06, 2022

Larry was funny, generous, and kind–especially to our family. He was a bright light in my nephews’ world, and he taught us all what an amazing grandparent looks like. Rest in Peace, Larry, and healing prayers to Brian, Jeff, Sam, and his six grandchildren. Love, Kristin Irish Cecchi 

November 06, 2022

Dear Brian,
Please accept our deepest sympathy as we join you in mourning the passing of your father.  You and the boys are in our prayers at this sad time.

November 06, 2022

Larry was a friend, a devoted grandfather, and a warm, loving part of his extended family. His sense of humor, upbeat attitude, solution-oriented perspective and cleverness with puns and riddles will forever be missed. Pi day will never be the same without him.

November 04, 2022

Dr. Larry Reinking was a dedicated professor and wonderful colleague.  Many students at Millersville University benefited from his courses in Zoology, Animal Physiology, and Cardiopulmonary physiology, among others.  Biology faculty fondly remember his sense of humor, sage advice, and ability to build lab equipment from what was available at the hardware store.  He was the original MacGyver!  He will be deeply missed by his students and colleagues.
Dr. John Hoover

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